“We need your continued support to help fight this pandemic.” That’s the message to the people of Hartlepool from their local health team who have signed a letter in the face of the ongoing fight against COVID-19.
Staff at the University Hospital of Hartlepool who live in the town are calling on fellow Hartlepudlians for their continued support in following social distancing guidelines.
This is after the town was one of several areas in the region to experience a spike in cases over the last few days.
According to data from the North East Quality Observatory, per 100,000 population the town has had 346 cases.
This is compared to the national average figure of 270.
Deepak Dwarakanath, medical director and deputy chief executive at North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Together, we have done so much to reduce the numbers of cases and to help save lives.
“What we are now warning against is complacency. We must continue to build on the fantastic commitment we have shown over recent weeks.
“The recent spike in cases in Hartlepool is a sign that we need to continue to be vigilant.
“Our dedicated staff in Hartlepool are calling on people of the town to join them in continuing this joint effort through the publication of this letter.
“I want to thank our entire local population for the sacrifices they have made – together we have made a real impact and have helped improve health outcomes for people in the area.”